Old lime trees set for the chop

Experts will investigate whether a row of century-old trees in south Shropshire is safe amid fears they could be uprooted in storms.

People who live in Sandford Avenue and Ludlow Road in Church Stretton are concerned the lime trees are no longer safe because they have not been maintained.

Now county tree experts are going to check whether the trees should get the chop.

Today, Councillor Mrs Beryl Smith, mayor of Church Stretton, said: "A lot of trees came down when we had the recent storms and people are concerned that the lime trees might be next. They haven't been tended since they were first planted."

John Harrison, trees expert at Shropshire County Council, said: "I understand two of the trees have had work carried out on them as a result of the gales."

Meanwhile, county highways experts are to investigate whether a new footpath can be installed on a road that links Church Stretton with Hope Bowdler.

People want to have a footpath on the side of the B4371.

They say they dice with death when they walk along the road because vehicles driving to and from Church Stretton pass too close to them.

County council officials will be asked to see whether a new footpath can be built at the eastern end of Sandford Avenue.